LEONARD T. PAPA

Leonard T. Papa, a resident of Montgomery, entered into rest on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown. He was 73.

The son of the late Leonard F. Papa and Helen V. Donovan Papa, he was born on June 26, 1939 in Jersey City, NJ.

Lenny had a great passion in seeing his grandchildren raised. He spent his early years in New Jersey where he found a passion for the art of woodworking and carpentry. After moving to Orange County, where he continued his trade as a woodworker and carpenter, Lenny began volunteering for the Town of Wallkill Ambulance Corps, where he found a new passion for helping people in need. Leonard was a life member of TOWVAC. After retiring from his tradesmanship, Lenny again moved on to a new passion, driving a school bus for First Student Bus Co., aiding in the transport of disabled children. Lenny always loved to help people.

Leonard leaves behind to cherish his memory, a loving wife, Barbara Sawtelle - Papa at home; brother, Ronald Papa of Pennsylvania; three loving children: Deborah Burnzynski and her husband, John of Mullica Hill, NJ, Timothy Papa and his wife, Caroline of Goshen, and Gregory Papa and his wife, Monique of Point Pleasant, NJ; his loving stepchildren: Charlie Sawtelle and his companion, Jackie and Nancy Sawtelle and her companion, Todd. Leonard is further survived by his loving grandchildren: Antony, Timothy, Michael, Harold, Stephanie, and Chad; his loving great-grandchildren: Heather, Annabelle, Wesley, Hayden and Anthony.

Lenny leaves behind a lifetime of friendly advice and pleasant conversation. He loved to talk! Lenny has touched so many people. He will be greatly missed and was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend of many.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 29th, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc., 1525 Burlingham Rd., Pine Bush. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. at the funeral home with Fr. Kevin Gallagher officiating. Cremation will take place at Cedar Hill Crematory in Newburgh.

Arrangements were entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com .